Labeling-machine.



G. W. McCULLEY & GLL. MASON.

LABELING MACHINE.

APPLICATION FILED JUNE I4, 1915.

Patented Apr. 4, 1916.

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G. W. McCULLEY & G. L. MASON.

LABELING MACHINE.

APPLICATION FILED JUNE I4, I915.

1,178,250. Patented Apr. 4, 1916.

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WITNESSES: IN VE/V TORS Guy M 62445; 6605661. Mesa/v A TTOR/VE V8 THE COLUMBIA PLAtlOGRAPH cm, WASHINGTON, D. c

UNITED STATES. PATENT OFFICE.

GUY WEST MoCULLEY, 0F VALDOST'A, AND GEORGE LUCAS MASON, OF LAKE PARK,

GEORGIA.

LABELING-MACHINE.

Specification of Letters Patent.

Patented Apr. 4, 1916.

Application filed June 14, 1915. Serial No. 33,987.

To all whom it may concern:

Be it known that we, GUY W. MCCULLEY and GEORGE L. MAson,citizens of the United States, and residents of Valdosta and Lake Park, respectively, in the county of Lowndes and State of Georgia, have invented a new and useful Improvement in Labeling Machines, of which the following is a speclfication.

Our invention is an improvement in labeling machines, and the invention has for its object to provide a machine of the character specified, especially adapted for labelmg cans, as for instance, cans containing preserved meats, fruits and the like, wherein a hand or power operated machine is provlded having gravity operated mechanism for feeding the cans in succession to the machine, and wherein mechanism is provided in connection with the feeding mechanism for delivering the cans one by one to the labeling mechanism, with the proper interval between the cans, and wherein the labeling mechanism is arranged to apply the labels to the cans as they pass by the sald mechanism.

In the drawings :Figure 1 is. a side view of the improved machine, and- Fig. 2 is an end view, Fig. 3 is a detail view of the magazine and label support, and, Fig. 4 is a side view of one of the blades or plates of the label holder.

The present embodiment of the inventlon comprises a suitable supporting table 1, having legs 2, and an operating shaft 3 1s ournaled transversely of the table beneath the same, and at one end thereof, the said shaft having at one end a crank 4, for permitting the same to be operated manually. The crank, as shown, has a hub 5, which fitsover theend of the shaft, and a set screw 6 is threaded through the hub into engagement.

with the shaft to prevent relative movement of the crank with respect to the shaft.

A gear wheel 7 is secured to the shaft at the end adjacent to the crank, and this gear wheel meshes with a pinion 8 secured to a shaft 9, journaled above the shaft 3 and in the same vertical plane.' The shaft 9 is also journaled above the table, being supported in bearings 10 in standards 11, which are secured to the table at opposite sides thereof, each standard having a foot 12 resting upon the table and secured thereto in any suitable manner.

Each of the standards 11 is provided at 1ts upper end with an inwardly extending port on 13, and at its inner end each of the port ons 13 is provided with a laterally extendmg portion 14, the said portions 14 being approximately parallel and spaced apart from each other as shown.

A roller 15 is secured to the shaft 9 intermediate the ends thereof, and at the space between the portions 14 of the uprights, and this roller supports one end of an endless belt or apron 16. The other end of the belt or apron is supported by a roller 17 on a shaft 18, which isjournaled in uprights 19 connected with the table by feet 20 which rests upon the table and are secured thereto. The upper end of the endless belt is engaged by a roller 21 supported by the portions 14 of the uprights. The roller 21 has heads or flanges 22 at its ends, extending beyond the periphery of the roller and the rollers are of such length that the flanges or heads 22 will engage outside of the side edges of the belt as shown.

The roller is a tensioning device for the belt normally resting on the upper run; thereof, and it may be adjusted with respect to the belt by means of threaded eye bolts 23, which connect it with the portions 14 of the. standards 11. Each eye bolt is passed through a hearing at the outer end of the portion 14 of the adjacent standard, and nuts 24 are threaded on to the bolt above and below the bearing. The lower end of each eye bolt engages a shaft at the axis of the roller or a journal pin at the end ofthe roller, and it will be obvious that by turning the nuts in the proper direction the roller may be raised or lowered to adjust the same vertically to vary the tension of the belt.

The cans 25 are fed down an inclined trough or chute 26, arranged at the end of the table adjacent to the uprights 19. This trough is of a size to permit the cans to roll down with their axes transverse to the trough, and the sides of the trough prevent longitudinal movement of the cans. The trough is inclined in such manner that the cans will feed by gravity, and mechanism is provided at the end of the trough adjacent to the table for delivering the cans one by one tothe table.

This mechanism comprises a lever or walking beam 27, having at its center a lateral. arm 28, which is pivoted to a bracket 29,

extending downwardly from the trough. A

pawl or detent 30 is pivoted to the outer end of the lever and this pawl or detent extends upwardly from the lever through a slot or opening 31 in the bottom of the trough. A second pawl or detent 32 is arranged in the trough at the opposite end of the lever, the saidpawl or detent being pivoted as indicated at 33 to the table or to the bottom of the trough.

Links 34 and 35 connect the pawl or detent 32 with the inner end of the lever 27, the said links passing through an opening in the bottom of the trough. The arrangement is such that when the lever 27 is swung one of the-pawls or detents will be lifted into position to engage a can while the other. will be moved out of the path of movement of the can. For instance, in Fig. 1, the pawl or devtent 32 is shown as lifted into position to engage the innermost can to prevent movement of all of the cans in the trough, while the pawl or detent 30 is shown as withdrawn.

It will be obvious that when the lever 27 is swung in the opposite direction the pawl or detent 30'will be moved through the opening 31 into the path of movement of the cans in the trough but between the innermost can and the succeeding can to free the innermost can, and to prevent movement of the succeeding cans. At the same time the pawl or detent 32 will be swung downwardly out of the path of movement of the cans, thus permitting the innermost can to roll on to the table.

The lever 27 is operated by a flexible member 35, as for instance, a cord or wire, which has one of its ends connected to an eye 36 on the link 34. From the eye the flexible member passes downwardly over a pulley 37, j ournaled between the legs 2 of the frame to a connection with the lower end of a lever 38, which is pivoted intermediate its ends to a bracket 39, extending inwardly from the adjacent leg 2 of the table. This lever 38 is operated in a manner to be presently described to move the lever 27. The cans are guided in their movement over the table between the supply trough 26 and the delivery trough 40, by means of guide plates 41. These guide plates 41 are arranged in parallel spaced relation, far enough apart so that the cans can move between the said plates. The plates are sectional as shown,

sand each plate has an angular portion 42,

which is secured to the table at opposite sides of a central opening in the table, to be later described. The trough 40 is also inclined at about the same angle as the trough 26. The

arrangement is such that after the cans have moved longitudinally of the table between the guide plates 41 as soon as they strike the trough 40 they will roll down the same by gravity.

The labels to be applied are held in a magazine 43, which depends from the under side of the table, and they are supported in the magazine on a movable or false bottom 44, which is mounted to move vertically in the magazine. A pair of parallel laterally spaced guide rails 45 is arranged at one side of the table, the rails being perpendicular to the long axis of the table, and each rail has angular portions 46 at its ends, which are passed through openings in the table and in lateral extensions 47 from the table, and are engaged by nuts 48 below the table and the extension.

A cross head 50 is arranged to slide on the rails, the cross head having bearing sleeves 51 at its ends for engaging the guide rails, and a pair of brush supporting arms 52 is connected with the cross head. These arms extend inwardly diverging from each other, and each arm is provided at its inner end with a depending angular portion support ing a brush 53. The cross head is provided with a depending eye 54 through which is passed a flexible member 55, as for instance, a cord or wire, and the flexible member is knotted or has stops on opposite sides of the eye to prevent movement of the flexible member with respect to the eye.

The outer end of the flexible member passes over a pulley or roller 56 journaled between the outer ends of the extensions 47 and a weight 57 is connected with the said outer end. The other end of the flexible member extends inwardly over a pulley 58 journaled on the table, and'outwardly over a second pulley 59,- j ournaled below the table, and downwardly to a connection with one end of a lever 60. This lever is pivoted intermediate its ends as indicated at 61 and the opposite end from the flexible member 55 is adapted to be engaged by a radial arm 62 on the shaft 3.

It will be evident that when the shaft 3 is rotated and the arm 62 engages the adjacent end of the lever 60, that end of the said lever which is connected with the flexible member 55 will be swung downwardly to move the cross head 50 inwardly, and since the brushes 53 are connected with the cross head they will also be moved inwardly.

WVhen the lever 60 is released the weight 57 will move the cross head outwardly. This cross head is in fact a carriage which carries the brushes. The brushes are sup- .plied with adhesive matter by gumming wheels 63, each of which is peripherally grooved as shown in Fig. 1. Each of the said gumming wheels has its under surface running in a tank or reservoir 64 for the adhesive in such manner that the periphery of the wheel will be continuously supplied with fresh adhesive as it rotates in the tank.

A ratchet wheel is secured to each wheel 63, and each ratchet wheel is engaged by a pawl 66, pivoted to the table to prevent reverse movement of the wheel. hen the carriage or cross head 50 is moved outwardly the brushes 53 will contact with the grooved periphery of the gumming wheels 63, and as the brushes move outwardly over the gumming wheels the wheels will be rotated, the pawls 66 offering no resistance to this movement. As the brushes move inward over the gumniing wheels the pawls will, prevent movement of the gumming wheels, and a portion of the gum will be removed by the brushes to be applied to the labels. Every time the brushes move outward they will partially rotate the gumming wheels to bring a fresh portion of the periphery of the wheels to the top, that is, into engaging position for the next movement of the brushes. As the brushes move inward they remove a portion of the adhesive and as they move over the labels the adhesive is applied to the labels.

The labels are applied to the cans as the cans roll over the labels, and as each can passes the pawl or detent 82 it rolls up an incline 67. This incline is a plate which is pivoted at its outer end to the table adjacent to the pivotal connection of the pawl or detent 32 and at its inner end the plate has a depending portion 69. The plate 67 is normally pressed upward at its inner end by a coil spring 68, the spring being arranged intermediate the ends of the plate and normally holding it in the dotted line position of Fig. 1.

The labels are as before stated supported on the plate or false bottom 44, and this false bottom is provided with a depending stem tt, and a wheel 73 is journaled in the lower end of the stem. This wheel normally rests on the upper face of a lever 70. The lever is pivoted at its front end to one of the supporting legs of the table as indicated at 71, and one end of a flexible member 72 is connected to the other end of the lever. The flexible member winds at its upper end on a reel 74; journaled in the table and eX- tending rearwardly therefrom, and the reel is provided with a cross head or handle 74. for convenience in'turning the same. Pawl and ratchet mechanism indicated at 75 is provided in connection with the reel to prevent reverse rotation thereof, and it will be evident that when the reel is turned in the proper direction by the cross head or handle the outer end of the lever will be lifted to lift the wheel 73 and the label support of, and floating wings or blades 8:2 are provided at each side of the pile of labels and in the magazine for properly positioning the labels on the false bottom or plate 2%. Each of the wings S2 is of thin sheet metal preferably having the upper edge 83 rounded longitudinally of the plate, and each plate is provided at its lower side edge and at each end with a longitudinally extending lug 84:. These lugs extend through vertical guide-ways 85 at the ends of the magazine, the guideways being arranged in pairs, one pair at each end of the magazine and the members of each pair are spaced apart laterally, being at the opposite sides of the magazine. The wings or blades are spring supported, by means of coil springs 85.

Each spring is connected at its upper end to the magazine and at its lower end to the adjacent lug 84c, and the springs normally hold the wings or vanes just above the uppermost label on the pile. The blades or vanes 82 are of a thickness corresponding to the distance between the end of the can and the end of the label, and the guide plates 41 are spaced apart just far enough to permit the can to roll between them with its long axis transverse to the direction of motion. The ends of the can rest upon the upper edges of the wings or vanes, and as the can moves over the labels, the pressure of the plate 16 and the weight of the can depresses the wings or vanes, so that the can can pick up the label.

The wings or vanes are not of suflicient length to interfere with the action of the brushes 53 which apply the gum to the labels. lVhen the cam rolls upon the end of the blades or vanes adjacent to the feed trough 26 the said ends of the blades are depressed, and the blades are so arranged that either end may be depressed without causing the blades to bind in the guideways. As the cans roll over the upper edges of the blades the entire length of the labels will never be at any one time above the edges of the blades, so that they prevent lateral displacement of the labels on the pile. As the cans are fed in succession by the pawl or detent 32 they roll up the incline 67 into engagement with the under surface of the upper run of the belt 16. From the inner end of this incline the cans are fed by the belt through the frictional engagement of the under run with the can.

The detent mechanism is normally held in normal position by a coil spring 86. As the cans leave the pile of labels they pass over a second incline 76, which is pivoted to the table at the opposite end of the magazine from the incline G7. The said incline 76 has a depending portion 77 at its inner end, and the incline is normally pressed upward by a coil spring 78 arranged intermediate its ends.

The springs 7 8-68 normally hold inclines 7 667 in the position shown in Fig. 1 at the ends of the uppermost labels, and as the cans roll up the inclines 67 they are moved longitudinally of the uppermost label by the under run of the apron 16. As the ends of the labels have been gummed by the brushes 68 the can picks up the top most label, and afterward rolls down the incline 7 6 011 to an elevation 87 in the table.

It will be noticed from an inspection of Fig. 1 that the outer end of the incline 76 is at a higher level than the outer end of the incline 67, this difference being the height of the elevation 87. As the cans roll over the elevation 87 the can is subjected to an additional pressure between the elevation and the apron 16, to compress the label more tightly on the can. From the elevation the cans pass into the delivery trough 40 and away from the machine.

In operation, the cans are fed from the feed trough 26 one by one to the incline 67. The shaft 3 is the operating shaft for the device, and this shaft has an arm 80 in position to engage the upper end of the lever 38 once during each complete rotation of the shaft to swing the said lever in a direction to operate the detent mechanism at the feed trough to release a can. As the arm strikes the upper end of the lever 38 the lever is moved in a direction to depress the inner end of the lever 27.

The detent or pawl 32 is moved out of the path of movement of the innermost can in the feed trough, releasing the said can but at the same moment the detent or pawl 30 is moved into position behind the innermost can and in front of the next or succeeding can. The innermost can as it rolls up the incline 67 is engaged by the lower run of the belt 16, and the said can is rolled over the label on the pile. The uppermost label has been gummed at its ends, and as the belt moves the can on to the pile of labels the gummed end of the label adheres to the can, and as the can rolls on the label is rolled around the can.

The blades or plates 82 extend slightly above the uppermost label in the pile normally, and as the can rolls on to the rounded upper edge of the plate or blade the two plates are depressed, permitting the can to move in contact with the uppermost label. Since the blades or plates 82 float free only that end of the plates or blades engaged by the can will be depressed, and the other end will remain elevated sufliciently to prevent displacement of the label. The can is rolled down the incline 76 on to the elevation 87 and an additional pressure is imparted to the label by the belt to thoroughly compress the label on the can. From the elevation the can is rolled down the delivery trough 40 and is delivered from the machine. During this movement of the can, the brush supporting carriage is at the outer ends of the rails 45 with the brushes 53 on the outer sides of the rollers 63. At the time when the can leaves the pile of labels the arms 62 on the shaft 3 comes into engagement with the adjacent end of the lever 60, and this lever is swung in a direction to move the brush carriage forwardly. The gumming rollers are held from movement on the forward movement of the brushes, and the brushes take up a portion of the adhesive on the surface of the rollers. As the brushes pass over the adjacent guide plate 41 the arms 52 are depressed to bring the brushes into engagement with the uppermost label on the pile,

and as the brushes move transversely of the label they apply a line of gum or adhesive at each end of the label. As soon as the arm 62 passes out of engagement with the lever 60 the weight 57 returns the brush carriage to inoperative position and at the same moment another can is in position to pass on to the pile of labels.

The tension of the belt 16 may be regulated by means of the roller 21. The machine may be operated by means of the crank 4 or it may be driven from a suitable power plant by means of a belt on the shaft.

The labels are placed in the magazine through the opening 81, the plate or false bottom being at this time at the lower end of the magazine.

The rollers 63 dip at all times into the adhesive in the tank 64: and on the reverse movement of the gumming carriage the rollers 63 arerotated, bringing a fresh portion of the periphery thereof up and into position for engagement by the brushes.

It will be noted from an inspection of Fig. 2 that rollers 90 are provided, journaled between the guides 45, the said rollers being annularly grooved or having flanges at their ends, and the arms 52 rest upon these rollers. It will be noted that each arm has an angular portion 52 adjacent to the carriage 50. When the brushes move toward the handle or crank 4 the brushes will move in engagement with thelabel until the inclined portions 52 of the arms engage the rollers. The brushes will then be lifted and they remain lifted on the return movement of the brushes until the horizontal portions of the arms 52 engage the rollers. As the brushes move in each direction they will be gradually lifted and gradually lowered. This is a feature of importance for it prevents displacement of the labels by the brushes.

We claim 1. A machine of the character specified, comprising a table having a longitudinally extending guideway and having an opening intermediate the ends of the guideway, a spring supported follower for holding labels at the opening and below the table, guides for the follower, means for raising the follower, an incline at each end of the opening, each incline being pivoted to the table at'its outer end and having a depending fender at its inner end engaging the adjacent ends of the labels on the follower, a spring normally pressing each incline upward, an inclined feed trough at one end of the table and inclining downwardly toward the table for feeding the cans to the table, an endless belt supported above the table and with its lower run in position to engage the cans as they move from the feed trough on to the adjacent incline and to roll the said cans over the labels on the follower, detent mechanism at theinner end of the feed trough for feeding the cans one by one in succession to theadjacent incline and the belt, a gumming carriage provided with brush supporting arms for gumming the ends of the uppermost label on the follower, guides for the carriage upon which the said carriage moves transversely of the table and above the opening therein, gumming wheels at the side of the guideway adjacent to the brushes and in position to be engaged by the brushes as they move toward the labels to gum the same, pawl and ratchet mechanism in connection with each roller for permitting the roller to roll with the brushes on the outward movement thereof and to hold the roller from rotation on. the inward movement of the brush, a tank or reservoir for adhesive adjacent to each roller and in which the lower part of the roller moves, means for moving the carriage toward the labels, a counterbalance for returning the carriage, and a common means for moving the belt for operating the carriage moving means and for operating the detent mechanism, said common means comprising a shaft journaled on the table and,

provided with cam arms, levers pivoted intermediate their ends and in position to be engaged by the cam arms, a connection between one lever and the carriage for moving the carriage toward the labels when the lever is swung by the cam arm, and a connection between the other arm and the detent mechanism.

2. A machine of the character specified, comprising a table having a longitudinally extending guidewav and having an opening intermediate the ends of the guide. a spring supported follower for holding 1abels at the end and below the table, guides for the follower, means for raising the fol lower, an incline at each end of the opening, each incline being pivoted to the table at its outer end, and having a depending fender at its inner end engaging the adjacent ends of the labels on the follower, a spring normally pressing each incline upward, an intil clined feed trough at one end of the table and inclining downwardly toward the table for feeding the cans to the table, an endless belt supported above the table and with its lower run in position to engage the cans as they move from the feed trough on to the adjacent incline and to roll the said cans over the labels on the follower, detent mechanism at the inner end of the feed trough for feeding the cans one by one in succession to the adjacent incline and the belt, a gumming carriage provided with brush sup porting arms for gumming the end of the uppermost label on the follower, guides for the carriage upon which the said carriage moves transversely of the table and above the opening therein, gumming wheels at the side of the guideway adjacent to the brushes and in position to be engaged by the brushes as they move toward the labels to gum the same, pawl and ratchet mechanism in connection with each roller for permitting the roller to roll with the brushes on the out ward movement thereof and to hold the roller from rotation on the inward movement of the brush, a tank or reservoir for adhesive adjacent to each roller and in which the lower part of the roller moves, means for moving the carriage toward the labels, a counterbalance for returning the carriage, and a common means for moving the belt for operating the carriage moving means and for operating the detent mechanism.

3. A machine of the character specified, comprising a table having a longitudinal guideway provided with an opening intermediate its ends, a label holder at the opening, means for moving the holder upward to bring the uppermost label above the table, a feed trough at one end of the table for feeding the cans to the table, an incline at the said end for directing the cans on to the labels, a spring for supporting the said incline, means above the guideway for moving the belts from the feed trough toward the opposite end of the table, detent mechanism at the inner ends of the feed trough for releasing the cans one by one and in succession, means for gumming the labels movable transversely of the guideway at the opening, and a common operating means controlling the detent mechanism and the gumming mechanism.

4. In a labeling machine, a follower for supporting labels, means for rolling the cans in succession over the uppermost label, gumming mechanism movable transversely of the labels for applying a strip of gum to each end of the label, detent mechanism for feeding the cans in succession one by one to the labels, and a common operating means for controlling the detent mechanism and the gumming mechanism, the means for feeding the cans comprising an endless belt supported with its lower run in position to engage the cans on the labels and to roll them thereover, and a spring supported incline at each end of the labels for cooperating with the belt.

5. In a labeling machine, a table having-a longitudinally extending guideway and an opening intermediate the ends of the guideway, a magazine for labels depending from the table at the opening, a follower in the magazine for supporting the labels, a gumming roller at each end of the opening, said rollers being at one side of the guideway and the adjacent side of the guideway having openings at the rollers, means for supplying gum to the rollers, a brush carriage movable toward and from the guideway and having brushes at its ends for engaging the rollers, and guide plates for the labels at opposite sides of the guideway and intermediate the rollers, each plate being spring supported and being adaptedto be depressed by the can rolling thereover to permit the can to engage the uppermost label directly.

6. In a labeling machine, a magazine, a follower in the magazine for supporting the labels, means for moving the follower vertically, means for rolling a can to be labeled over the uppermost label, means for gumming the ends of the uppermost label, and

Copies of this patent may be obtained for five cents each, by addressing the guide plates for the labels at opposite sides of the magazine, and spring supported to be depressed by the cans as they roll thereover to permit the cans to engage the labelsdirectly.

7. In a labeling machine, amagazine, a follower in the magazine for supporting the labels, means for rolling the cans in succession over the uppermost label, gumming.

mechanism for the label, said. means for feeding the cans comprising an endless belt supported with its lowest run in position to engage the cans on the labels and to roll them thereover, and a spring supported incline at each end of the labels for cooperating with the belt.

8. In a labeling machine, a guideway for the cans, having an opening, means for supporting a pile of labels atthe opening, means for rolling the cans in succession along the guideway and over the labels, gumming means for the uppermost labels, said labels being yieldingly supported and having guiding wings or vanes at the opposite sides thereof and normally extending above the uppermost label, for engaging the ends of the cans to permit the cans to engage the uppermost label.

GUY WEST 'MGCULLEY. GEORGE LUCAS MASON.

Commissioner of Patents- Washington, D. G. 

